ERIC Number: EJ1379707
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022-Jun
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0146-3934
EISSN: N/A
Examining the Motivations, Advantages, and Disadvantages Experienced by Undergraduate Students Who Pursue Multiple Majors
Grabsch, Dustin; Webb, Hannah; Leibowitz, Ryan; Chinnam, Dedeepya; Webb, Laura; Kunovich, Sheri
College Student Journal, v56 n2 p135-150 Jun 2022
We sought to understand the motivations of undergraduate students who pursue multiple majors or degrees. Utilizing a sequential, exploratory, mixed-methods design, in phase one we interviewed 37 students currently pursuing multiple majors to determine themes in their expressed motivations. Following the development of themes, we administered a survey instrument to a random sample of undergraduate students at the research site to determine the prevalence of each motivation theme within the student body. Results reveal that participants became aware of multiple-majoring both before arriving at the institution and at the institution. Participants cited differentiation, field and institutional contexts, financial concerns, intrinsic aspects, and opportunities as factors that encouraged them to pursue multiple majors. Finally, the research reveals several advantages and disadvantages of having multiple majors. We make recommendations for future research and practice related to orientation programs, academic advisors, advising centers, admissions offices, and academic curriculum committees.
Descriptors: Undergraduate Students, Majors (Students), Student Motivation, Intellectual Disciplines, Context Effect, Costs, Opportunities, Barriers, Affordances
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A